Brian O’Cathain, Independent non-executive Chairman
Brian has worked as a geologist and petroleum engineer in the oil and gas sector since 1984. He began his career with Shell International, and worked at Enterprise Oil and Tullow Oil in senior roles. He served as CEO of Afren plc to 2007, and as CEO of Petroceltic International plc, until 2016. He is a Non-executive Director of Eland Oil and Gas, an AIM listed company producing over 20,000bopd in Nigeria, and of Nephin Energy, a private gas producing company which is the largest equity holder in the Corrib Gas Field in Ireland. His skills include market understanding, fundraising, and the technical, legal and financial aspects of running a publicly-listed oil and gas company. He led and negotiated the agreed nil-premium merger of Petroceltic and Melrose Resources in 2012. He holds a BSc (First Class) in Geology from the University of Bristol. Brian keeps his knowledge and awareness current by participation in industry conferences, IOD workshops, and by networking with other directors and executives in the international oil and gas industry.